“Surfing the Web” has become a popular a pastime of many adolescents today. In this blossoming information age, many adolescents with computer access may well use the internet to obtain health information on-line. Health websites that are geared towards teenagers should therefore be of interest to those working in public health. Twenty-five health related websites that were clearly geared towards teens were chosen using popular web browsers and search engines and then assessed by examining the following five components: 1) the existence of a visible mission statement, 2) the quality of site information, 3) the ability of a site to conduct successful outreach (i.e.: the ability of a site to sustain a user’s attention and provide opportunities for discussion), 4) the aesthetics of a site, and 5) the reading level of the site text. Of the selected sample, only one site met all the assessment criteria as of 05/30/01. Thirteen of the sites reviewed (52%) had visible mission statements; eleven sites (44%) fulfilled the quality of information criteria; six sites (24%) fulfilled the criteria for successful outreach; fourteen sites (56%) fulfilled the criteria for site aesthetics; and fourteen sites (56%) had site text that was written at the “appropriate” level between 5th–8th grade levels. This exploratory study sets forth some preliminary standards by which one can evaluate teen health websites, and points to the need for health educators interested in reaching adolescents to use the internet in better and creative ways to educate the teen population.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to : 1. Articulate a procedure for assessing teen health websites. 2. List key characteristics of an effective teen health website. 3. Describe the state of teen health information available on the internet.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Internet
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.